This is an interesting point that, to paraphrase, AT training needs to
take the student's study needs into account as well as the strengths and
difficulties associated with any disability.
One of the things that suppliers have been asking for for some time is
to be included in the disclosure agreements on the form that DSA
students sign. In order to give the best service it is hugely useful if
we know, for example, that a student can't be expected to lift anything.
We can sometimes guess from the equipment recommended, but not
accurately, so have to ask the question ourselves.
AT Trainers similarly should be included, perhaps separately, on the
disclosure form. A preliminary read of the Needs Assessment report helps
trainers prepare in the knowledge of the students strengths and
weaknesses, and, where a conscientious assessor has been able to take
advantage of good communications with the HEI, a knowledge of the course
of study and the type of work.
This would then improve the quality of the preassessment which our
trainers need to carry out at the beginning of the training to work out
what approaches they need to best meet the training needs of the
student, in the ways that Penny suggests.
However, even with the system working at its best, no-one will have a
very good idea at the beginning of year 1, which is when AT training
should ideally take place, what the student's work will be at the end of
year 4.
Study Support tutors are more likely to be involved throughout a
student's course. SO it is even more important that they should be
conversant with the AT, so that they can integrate it with their support
work. Which is why we pitch some of our AT training, seminars and CPD
precisely at study support tutors.
Regards
Ian Litterick
Suppliers' Rep on QAG
Executive Chairman
www.iansyst.co.uk
www.dyslexic.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Penny Georgiou
Sent: 25 March 2007 20:49
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [DIS-FORUM] Computer suppliers
Dear John,
The question around training is not so much how the supply is organised,
which can be multifarious, but about the detail of training received.
There are radical transformations of students attitudes to their
capacity for effective study when their technology training is
contextualised in terms of strategies with which to approach the
different tasks that they have to complete. Even where training is a
'sincere' demonstration of the software, it may not 'take', or be
retained beyond the session. Frequently, the information will not be
subjectivised by the student, if it is not very clearly and precisely
linked to study tasks in the detail.
This is particularly true in relation to particular conditions. Eg,
where there are issues directly related to anxiety or SpLD, students
frequently need repetition and for the same idea to be approached from
several angles before it can be grasped in a way that is likely to be
remembered. Contextualisation will aid memory and retention here too.
Students often need to take notes for themselves and so be able to take
on the process of learning actively in relation to their training. This
process will depend on the transference to the trainer. Hence, someone
who may 'know his onions' technically, may not necessarily be able to
transmit their knowledge in a way that the student can grasp for
themselves. Hence, although there are many capable and competent people,
they may not necessarily be effective trainers. This can be assisted to
some degree by the development of a training curriculum. However, the
capacity to teach is also a gift and we should not underestimate this
component in relation to assistive technology training.
Regards,
PG
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. on
behalf of E.A. Draffan
Sent: Sun 25/03/2007 17:35
To: [log in to unmask]
Cc:
Subject: Re: Computer suppliers
What you say John is backed by comments from many students in
the survey we
completed. We have also been trying to hold focus groups with
students to
discuss the issues. Where they have taken place I have fed back
the
information to the student services department that held the
focus group.
There is a split as to how students receive support - in their
homes from
outside trainers sometimes linked to suppliers or specialist
training
companies or training on the campus in an AT suite or at an
assessment
centre.
Those who take up the training, often say they benefit from the
experience
but would like additional support in the way of handouts, audio
files,
video, FAQs, Just in time or drop in time for queries that
arise. Most
importantly many wanted to be trained using their own work
materials so that
it all connects to their day to day study skills rather than
just being
shown the devices or software. Some were also grateful to be
able to train
on their own computers, so that these can be set up in a way
that suits
their learning preferences.
Best Wishes E.A.
Mrs E.A. Draffan
Assistive Technologist
Mobile: 07976 289103
http://www.emptech.info/
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support
staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Conway
Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2007 4:48 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Computer suppliers
Can anyone comment on the training side? Assessors recommend
training, but
how is it provided? Does the student have to chase up once the
equipment
arrives? Is the trainer alerted by assessor or supplier? Is
the supplier
also the training provider??? Does the assessor follow up to see
if
equipment and training has been provided?
I am surveying some 150 DSA holders at present but they've just
gone home
for Easter - all replies so far have implicated issues with
training on the
software
John
Dr John S Conway
Principal Lecturer /Disability Officer / Chair, Research
Committee Royal
Agricultural college, Cirencester, Glos GL7 6JS
01285 652531 fax 01285 650219
http://www.rac.ac.uk/?_id=590
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support
staff. on
behalf of Nasser
Sent: Sun 3/25/2007 11:06
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Computer suppliers
Alex
I am glad to hear everything you have said is exactly what I
would like to
hear from every Do/Assessor/Trainer which is to engage with the
suppliers to
improve their services. You have demonstrated that by actively
helping and
training you have managed to turned them into an excellent
company and
therefore more of the same would help others achieve the same
goals as those
of Avantek.
I would also expect that other suppliers have had a similar
relationship
with their Assessment centres/Trainers to develop such a quality
system
otherwise it would be unthinkable that these suppliers would be
getting any
referrals from these centres and thus would find it hard to
survive in the
industry.
I would expect by you gathering of the information and feeding
it back would
greatly help the suppliers who may have failed to fulfil parts
of their
responsibility for the good of the students. Maybe in your own
way you will
help to accelerate the process of raising the standards within
this
industry.
I have no doubt QAG and Suppliers and all stake holders will
support and
applaud you in this mission.
If you feel there are areas of improvement in my operation I
would be
grateful for your feedback.
Best wishes
Nasser Siabi
Managing Director
Microlink PC (UK) Ltd
Direct: 02380 240 316
Mobile: 07870603128
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential
and intended
solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are
addressed.
If you receive this e-mail by mistake, please advise the sender
immediately
by using the reply facility in your e-mail software. Also
destroy and delete
the message from your computer. Please note that any views or
opinions
presented in this email are solely those of the author and do
not
necessarily represent those of Microlink. Finally, the recipient
should
check this email and any attachments for the presence of
viruses. Microlink
accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus
transmitted by this
email. Any modification of the contents of this e-mail is
strictly
prohibited unless expressly authorised by the sender.
Microlink House, Brickfield Lane, Chandlers Ford, Southampton
SO53 4DP
(Company number: 3325643)
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support
staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of alex larg
Sent: 24 March 2007 23:13
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Computer suppliers
Nasser,
As an independent freelance professional I have a policy of
trying to be
completely open and above board about my Business. I intend to,
and try very
hard to, maintain my integrity so that when I work with (student
or other)
clients, AT suppliers, LEAs, Assessment Centres and
Universities, they know
that they can trust my professional, independent and
uninfluenced opinion.
I buy my own equipment with nothing supplied by companies which
may make me
feel obliged to use them as a supplier. I have my own
professional insurance
and I want to maintain my freelance status with the Inland
Revenue.
"...Much sooner than this..." I have only been an independent
stakeholder
for about two and a half years and now I am in a much stronger
position to
campaign for students' rights since I don't have ties or line
management. I
answer to myself and my clients. (and if I didn't like their
feedback I
could put it in the bin I guess - but I don't - I listen and try
and
improve.)
I have worked with and advised a number of suppliers over the 10
years that
I have been in the business of advocating the rights of disabled
students. I
have worked with Tony Lees at Avantek and helped his company
develop
feedback forms, helped him to train professional trainers and
also provided
disability awareness training for him and his company employees.
I personally feel that Avantek are an excellent supplier, who
answer the
phone when you ring, who provide goods within a reasonable
timescale and
who provide excellent follow up support if something goes wrong
with a
machine supplied by them. I have seen from experience that their
support is
prompt, sympathetic but not patronizing, fast, and on-site,
which for a
disabled student is essential in my opinion. I am not saying
Avantek is
perfect and we all have room for improvement, but I have
provided a lot of
training for students who have been supplied with Avantek
computers and this
is how I have this knowledge of Avantek's service provision. I
am also sure
that some other companies out there do the same good work, again
from
experience and client feedback.
However it is not my view but the students' views here that
count surely. I
don't want to make assumptions and that is why I am seeking to
gather
evidence which is relevant to disabled students' experiences in
HE of DSA
and specifically in this case computer equipment supplied to
them. Of course
this does and should extend to training. But as an independent
trainer
working across the board with different suppliers machines, I
feel well
placed to gather this evidence. People are writing to me off
list, I have my
own personal experiences with numerous students over the years
and I have
numerous friends and colleagues out there who are disability
officers
(overworked and under-resourced) who often have to help pick up
the pieces
with D/disabled students. (Again dis-forum members and
associates please
let me know of your experiences and your students' experiences
and support
me if you feel it is appropriate off or preferably on list. A -
me too -
will do.)
I may be reinventing the wheel (my version is round by the way)
but I am
doing this free of charge. I am trying to be open and above
board and I am
willing to listen to what is said and to keep an open mind.
The Walt Disney philosophy is that:-
Rule 1 - the customer is always right.
Rule 2 - if the customer is wrong then see Rule 1.
That doesn't seem like a Mickey Mouse idea to me - it seems like
forward
thinking and the best possible approach, especially when
(disabled - social
model) customers are virtually forced to use this premium
service in a
"cartel" type set up.
Yours sincerely,
Alex
Alex Larg
[log in to unmask]
07931 561 877 or 07916 175 077
Freelance Assistive Technology Trainer
Freelance study needs assessor
Former Disability Officer
On 24/3/07 11:42, "Nasser Siabi" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Tony
>
> Don't panic mate, he is saying you are one of the good guys, I
say this
> because I know Alex is one old timers of this industry and he
knows all
> the play makers and if he had any issues with your company or
mine or
> Ian's he would have proactively contacted us to inform and
resolve the
> problems much sooner than this. He does not strike me as being
a type of
> person to want to wait for things to sort themselves out and
he would
> rather make sure the student welfare came first and naturally
he would
> kick some rear ends to make sure this happens immediately.
>
> So, I think if you have not heard or spoken to Alex before on
major
> issues then you are not the type of supplier he is talking
about. Would
> that be a good assumption Alex?
>
> best wishes
>
> Nasser
>
> Tony Lees wrote:
>
>> Whilst I am grateful to Alex for mentioning Avantek alongside
such
>> illustrious company I am sure he did not mean to suggest that
Avantek are
the
>> sort of supplier that would provide our student clients with
less than
>> adequate machines, support, training or service. We are
justifiably proud
of
>> and continually strive to maintain our consistent record of
excellent
service
>> - see www.avantek.co.uk/dsa.
>> (rant over).
>>
>> Regards, Tony
>>
>> Avantek are the First DSA-QAG Quality Assured, Accredited
Supplier.
>>
>> Tony Lees
>> Avantek Computer Limited
>> Computer Systems and Solutions; hand crafted by artisans for
the
discerning
>> client.
>> St Peter's Road
>> Arnesby, Leics, LE8 5WJ
>> tel: 0116 247 8515
>> fax: 0116 247 8843
>>
>> http://www.avantek.co.uk
>>
>> e-mail disclaimer: http://www.avantek.co.uk/e_disc.htm
>>
>>
>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their
support
>>> staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of alex
larg
>>> Sent: 22 March 2007 14:12
>>> To: [log in to unmask]
>>> Subject: Computer suppliers
>>>
>>> Dear Colleagues
>>>
>>> I have worked as an AT Trainer, assessor and Disability
>>> Officer for around 10 years now. Over that time I have
worked
>>> with hundreds of students and some of them seem to have been
>>> supplied with unsuitable computer hardware.
>>> This may be due to assessors not recommending appropriate
>>> kit: we all make mistakes - I have made and learnt from many
>>> myself, but this is not my concern here.
>>>
>>> It may, however, be due to the suppliers not providing
>>> adequate machines and/or not providing good and accessible
>>> follow up support to their clients.
>>>
>>> DSA-QAG has been set up, at virtually no cost I believe,
>>> to... Well I'm not sure what for, but the point is they have
>>> introduced a service level agreement (SLA) for suppliers who
>>> also have to pay for the privilege of supplying equipment as
>>> a percentage of their turnover. (I'm sure I will be kindly
>>> corrected for my incorrect facts within this paragraph by
>>> colleagues.)
>>>
>>> My point, when I eventually get there, is that DSA-QAG SLA,
>>> is dentally challenged, i.e. there is/are no teeth, or at
>>> least none that I am able to find. (see above.)
>>>
>>> What I would ask of you is to ask your colleagues and
>>> students for their feedback of experiences with suppliers
>>> such as Microlink, Iansyst, Avantek and other DSA suppliers
>>> as I wish to collate some information for evidence to take
to
>>> DSA- QAG / DfES, as I fear from my experience some students
>>> may be receiving a less that satisfactory service.
>>>
>>> Of course positive feedback is welcome, but I have to be
more
>>> concerned with the less satisfactory side of the service
too.
>>>
>>> I am sending this message cross-forum, and so apologies for
>>> those receiving this a number of times.
>>>
>>> I also ask Nasser at Microlink, in his position as
>>> representative for suppliers and tier discussion group, to
>>> circulate this message on their list.
>>>
>>> Please pass this onto any other appropriate lists so we can
>>> obtain as wide feedback as possible. I am in the process of
>>> rejoining NADP (if they will have me) and so this has not
>>> gone to that list. Maybe someone at NADP could pass it on if
>>> that is deemed appropriate.
>>>
>>> I know that suppliers generally ask clients for feedback,
but
>>> I feel that system may be slightly compromised and I don't
>>> know whether that information is published anywhere.
>>>
>>>
>>> Please contact me off-list with your replies.
>>>
>>> Thanks for you time.
>>> Best wishes,
>>>
>>> Alex
>>>
>>> Alex Larg
>>> Freelance Assistive Technology Trainer
>>> Freelance study needs assessor
>>> Former Disability Officer
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Sent using the Microsoft Entourage 2004 for Mac Test Drive.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>
Sent using the Microsoft Entourage 2004 for Mac Test Drive.
This e-mail is confidential to the intended recipients. Access
to this
e-mail by anyone else is unauthorised. If you are not the
intended
recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or any action
taken or
omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and
unlawful. The
recipient acknowledges that the Royal Agricultural College
cannot control
the content of information received in transmissions made via
the Internet.
Royal Agricultural College (Registered in England No: 99168) &
Royal
Agricultural College Enterprises Ltd (Registered in England No:
2752048) are
the trading names of the Royal Agricultural College
Registered Office: Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester,
Gloucestershire,
GL7 6JS
--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.18/733 - Release Date:
25/03/2007
11:07
--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.18/733 - Release Date:
25/03/2007
11:07
###########################################
This message has been scanned by F-Secure Anti-Virus for Microsoft Exchange.
For more information, connect to http://www.f-secure.com/
- -------------------------Disclaimer---------------------------
Sign up for support and information in our occasional newsletter on
"Technology and Dyslexia" at http://www.dyslexic.com/newsletter.asp
This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s), unless obviously
more public. If you received it in error please tell the sender and then
delete it. We check outgoing emails but you should virus check incoming
ones. Emails may not represent our official policy or a contract.
Errors and omissions are excepted. iANSYST Ltd
iANSYST Ltd, Fen House, Fen Road, CAMBRIDGE, CB4 1UN.
Tel +44(0)1223 42 01 01; Fax +44(0)1223 42 66 44; [log in to unmask]
http://www.dyslexic.com http://www.iansyst.co.uk http://www.itspc.co.uk
|
